In a landmark move, the US Justice Department is contemplating a historic breakup of tech giant Google, citing concerns over its dominance in the search engine market. The department is considering asking a federal judge to compel Google to divest parts of its business, a move that would mark a significant shift in the tech landscape.
According to a recent court filing, antitrust enforcers are weighing the possibility of forcing Google to sell off portions of its business, including its Chrome, Play, and Android operations. This would prevent the company from leveraging its market power to stifle competition and innovation.
The Justice Department is also exploring the option of ordering Google to provide access to its underlying data, which is used to develop its search results and artificial intelligence products. This move would aim to level the playing field for rival companies and new entrants.
The proposed breakup is the most significant attempt to rein in a major tech company’s power since the US government’s unsuccessful bid to break up Microsoft two decades ago. The move is part of a broader effort by antitrust enforcers to tackle Big Tech dominance, with investigations and lawsuits targeting companies like Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.
Google has criticized the Justice Department’s proposal, calling it “radical” and warning of “significant unintended consequences” for consumers and businesses. However, the company faces mounting antitrust pressure, with multiple cases pending in the US and EU.
A federal judge is expected to rule on the proposed remedy next spring, with a decision anticipated by August 2025. Meanwhile, European Union watchdogs have also floated the possibility of a breakup, citing concerns over Google’s favoritism towards its own services.
While some analysts believe a breakup is unlikely, the ongoing antitrust scrutiny is expected to continue shaping the tech industry’s landscape in the years to come.
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